Working With Shepherds Opened My Eyes

By Alysha B – technician and contractor to Shepherds of Good Hope

When I was just three years old, I was with my father in the ByWard Market. As we walked down the street, I saw a homeless man and asked my dad, “Why does no one love that man?”

My father, a singer and songwriter, was inspired by my question. He went on to write a song about the homeless, earning multiple awards from the Central Canadian Bluegrass Awards.

Growing up, I watched my father engage with people in shelters and prisons, using his music to serve and connect. He wanted my brother and me to learn to serve others in any way we could, instilling in us the importance of compassion.

Raised in a small town, homelessness was something I only saw on TV. However, when I moved to the city during my college years, I started to see the issue firsthand.

At first, I was influenced by the media and by other “city folk” who had their own perspectives and experiences.

I regret the years of my life when I would cast judgment, while my father would not have.

It wasn’t until three years ago, when I started a new job, that I truly began to understand the reality of homelessness and the vital role supportive housing plays.

Working inside supportive housing residences and at shelters, I was introduced to a side of the homelessness crisis I had never seen before.

Many of us see a person experiencing homelessness on the street, we may see someone intoxicated or under the influence in public. This what we see, but what do we really know about them?

What we don’t see are the residents living in supportive housing and at the shelters, surrounded by staff who care deeply about them.

I’ve learned a lot about supervised consumption and treatment services over the last few years. I no longer pass judgement, based on what I see in the media.

What I see now, is the bigger picture: these sites are not only about keeping individuals who struggle with addiction safe, but also about protecting the broader community.

Supportive housing is essential for many reasons. Whether it’s people struggling with addiction or mental health challenges, Shepherds of Good Hope’s supportive housing is a lifeline.

The people I’ve met and work with doe an exceptional job at ensuring the right people are matched with the right environment.

I’ve never met staff so dedicated and invested in the daily lives of their residents. I’ve witnessed staff worry when a resident is out of the building longer than usual. I’ve seen them grieve when a resident passes away.

The staff at Shepherds and their partners like Ottawa Inner City Health, care about their residents just as much as they care about the work they do. Their love, patience, and commitment are evident in everything they do.

Through them, I’ve seen how supportive housing residents begin to love and care for each other, much like how the staff love them. It’s about setting an example, building community, and showing compassion—this is how we can start to address the larger issues surrounding homelessness.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with Shepherds and to get to know they people they support.

I pray that I can have even 10% of the impact my father had on the people he sang for. Just as he used his music to change lives, the staff at Shepherds have this impact daily.